Tyrus Cobb (Candidate)
Biography
COBB, Tyrus, born June 23, 1940. Military Engineering, US Military Academy, 1062. MA, Geography/earth sciences, University of Texas, 1970. Associate Professor, USMA, 1970-1973. MBA, Florida Institute of Technology, 1984. Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, 1962-1983.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for NC-12.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Tyrus Cobb has said:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
I was an R&D Engineer for 20 years, thus I appreciate the value of innovation and the promise it can bring to the future. To sustain US innovation, I will continue to support our Free Market economy with added government incentives to those companies who develop innovations solving our pressing problems. For example, today we face a fuel/energy crisis. Sen McCain has proposed a $300M "prize" to the organization that develops a car realizing 100 mpg; I support such. How about a prize for the company that develops a windmill that costs far less in "energy required to manufacture" than it can produce in its lifetime?
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
While I feel that global climate certainly deserves close scrutiny, it seems the scientific world is not unanimous that warming is occurring or is caused entirely by fossil fuels' use. That said, I am not sure either cap-and-trade or carbon tax is the answer, as it permits the continued use of fossil fuel, but at a higher price, so effect on global warming is not realized. Common sense yields increased fuel-economy standards and research better answers, as they can realize reduced carbon emissions. I think we Americans are smart enough to develop methods and devices that reduce emissions; I favor nuclear, solar, wind and natural gas as alternatives, but we must be sure they are economical and that requires better technology than we now possess.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
We are in an energy crisis. The high cost of motor fuels has provided the "wake up" call that America needs; it is time to get serious about alternative energy sources. This crisis is the fault of us all, oil companies, auto industry, government and, yes, us consumers. We need a comprehensive plan that addresses, not only the current pressing need for oil (as it is what we depend on now), but by the whole range of energy sources; plan needs to be a cooperative one using government and private sector organizations. The second call I will make after being elected on 4 November 2008 will be to Mr. T. Boone Pickens, to seek using his plan as starting point of such a cooperataive plan for America. Oh, yes, call for enhanced innovation and new technology will be a major part of that plan.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
This is the most important key to a bright future. Having taught at the college level, it is my fixed opinion that great teachers are the key great education. The Federal Government must work with state and local education organizations to invigorate the teaching force, especially in the sciences and math, to underwrite our future in innovation and technology maturation. That can be done by increased pay and funding for school labs and other teaching technology.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
I have a solution to this problem which I have already briefed to one US Representative. I call it the Interstate Fresh Water Transfer System; a massive project like the Interstate Road System started in the '50's. This would be the greatest boom to the US economy since the Interstate Road System. Once in place (at a considerable expense both in time and funding), among other things, America could feed the world, could realize better flood control and even extinguish forest fires via a "sprinkler system." The increase in arceage under water might even reduce global warming by reflecting the Sun's radiation.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
1-5 and 7 answers clearly require research. I will strongly support funding for research but we must be careful to direct such funding towards our most pressing problems. We are currently working under deficit spending and that must stop before America is bankrupt. Wise use of limited funding is demanded. The scientific community needs to prioritize work for Congress' support. Do not let Congress do so without your studied input!
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
This is a seemingly unsolveable, but pressing, problem. It seems to me that medical technology is growing rapidly, but the expense to use it is very high. This means that only a few wealthy people can avail themselves of such technology. We need to close the medical gap between the "haves" and the "have nots," that is to say we need technology at the basic health level that can enhance the general health of all the people. It is not necessary that some live to be 100; better that all live a good live to 85 or 90. That is a research challenge. Go for it!
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Climate Change
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Education
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Energy
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Environment
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Health
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Innovation
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Research and Research Management
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